ˈterəˌtori 
British ˈtɛrətri
plural territories
1
a
: an area of land that belongs to or is controlled by a government
Those mountains are in Mexican territory.
We're entering enemy territory. [=an area of land that belongs to or is controlled by our enemy]
disputed territories
b
: one of the parts of the United States that is not a state
Guam is a U.S. territory.
c
: any one of the large parts that some countries are divided into
Canada's Yukon Territory
2
: an area that an animal or group of animals uses and defends
The birds are busy establishing territories and building nests.
Male cats spray to mark territory.
3
: an area of land or water
We've covered a lot of territory today. [=we have traveled a long distance]
The goal of the expedition is to map unexplored/uncharted territory.
—sometimes used figurativelyan area of study that was unexplored/uncharted territory at the time
Let's get the meeting started. We have a lot of territory to cover today. [=a lot to talk about, decide, etc.]
Dealing with our cars and the mechanic is her territory. [=something she is in charge of]
As the conversation turned to politics, I knew we were heading into dangerous territory.
4
: an area that someone is responsible for when doing a job
a salesman whose territory includes New England and upstate New York
5
sports
: the area on a playing field (such as a football field) that is defended by a particular team
They started deep in their own territory and went all the way down the field to score a touchdown.
Cite this Entry
“Territory.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/territory. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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